Impressive Stone Exterior House Ideas to Enliven Home Fronts
A stone exterior can transform the entire look and feel of a home. The natural beauty and organic textures of stone materials create an inviting facade that stands out from typical siding choices. For homeowners looking to upgrade their curb appeal, add architectural detail, and bring new life to their home's front elevation, a stone exterior offers countless impressive design options.
From rustic fieldstone to elegant manufactured stone veneers, a stone facade provides lasting curb appeal. The striking textures and colors of natural stone materials complement any architectural style from traditional farmhouses to modern designs. Compared to vinyl, brick, stucco and other common sidings, few materials can match the timeless appeal of natural stone.
Benefits of a Stone Exterior
What makes stone such a popular and ideal choice for home exteriors? Here are some of the top reasons to consider a stone facade:
- Natural Beauty - The organic colors, variation, and textures of natural stone are unmatched.
- Curb Appeal - Stone exteriors have a stately, high-end look that instantly boosts a home's aesthetic.
- Durability - Stone is incredibly durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance.
- Energy Efficiency - The thermal mass of stone helps regulate interior temperatures.
- Customization - Many types, sizes, colors and styles of stone available.
- Property Value - Stone exteriors typically add resale value to a home.
In comparison to other siding options like stucco, vinyl, fiber cement, and wood, the natural elegance and strength of stone make it a top choice for those looking to increase their home's aesthetic appeal and value over time.
Popular Types of Stone Veneers
Homeowners have an extensive range of natural stone options to choose from. Some of the most popular stone types used for home exteriors include:
- Granite - This extremely hard, igneous stone comes in a variety of colors from light tans to deep blues.
- Limestone - Offers a softer, distressed appearance and comes in beiges, creams, and muted earth tones.
- Sandstone - Known for its tan/gold hues and visible sandy grains.
- Slate - Has a foliated appearance and natural color variations of black, grey, purple, green, and red.
- Fieldstone - Rounded, irregularly shaped stones with an organic, earthy look.
- Manufactured Stone - Replicates the look of natural stone veneer in a lighter and affordable material.
Along with selecting a stone type based on aesthetics, homeowners must also consider factors like the weight of the material, ease of installation, and how well the stone withstands weather in their specific climate.
Natural vs. Manufactured Stone Veneers
Many homeowners opt for manufactured stone veneer for their home's exterior because it offers the natural appearance of real stone at a lighter weight and lower cost. Manufactured veneer consists of concrete mixed with various natural aggregates to mimic limestone, granite, and other natural stones.
Natural stone veneer provides unmatched beauty, durability, and value, but is much heavier and often two to three times more expensive than manufactured alternatives. Homeowners must weigh the pros and cons of each option for their particular home.
Popular Stone House Styles
In addition to choosing a stone type, homeowners must also select a style for their facade. Some popular stone house designs include:
Rustic Stone Cottages
Natural fieldstone and river rock are ideal for creating a cozy, rustic look on cottage-style homes. Mixing different sizes and shapes of stone in earthy hues of tan, brown, grey and rustic red can provide a charming facade reminiscent of old rural farmhouses.
Formal Stone Manors
For a more refined look, cut limestone blocks with clean lines in light neutrals can provide an elegant stone facade. Neoclassical, Georgian, French Chateau and other formal architectural styles pair beautifully with smooth dressed stones for an upscale aesthetic.
Modern Stone Homes
Contemporary homes can also highlight stone elegantly. Combining stone veneer accents with stucco or steel in cool greys and clean, straight lines creates an appealing industrial-chic look. Large stacked stone walls lend a dramatic flair.
Mediterranean Stone Houses
Rough stone facades work wonderfully for Mediterranean style homes. Santa Barbara-style architecture uses imperfectly shaped stones in creamy neutrals and earth tones to provide charming Spanish character. Mediterranean villas often display stone elegantly around doorways and windows.
Design Considerations
When planning a stone exterior, homeowners must carefully consider:
Climate
The climate impacts how durable and maintenance-free a stone facade remains over time. For example, slate stands up well to cold, wet conditions. Meanwhile, limestone and sandstone are more prone to erosion in rainy climates. Granite can withstand nearly any climate.
Color Palette
Choosing stone colors that complement your home's existing siding, roof, and color scheme is key. Mixing different natural hues and textures of stone veneers can create visual interest.
Architectural Style
Your home's architectural character should guide the stone selection. Formal homes do best with smoothly cut, uniform block stones. Rustic cottages shine with unevenly shaped fieldstones and a diversity of stone colors.
Budget
Natural stone veneer costs between $15-$70 per square foot installed. Manufactured or faux stone costs $5-$35 per square foot. The overall price depends on factors like chosen stone variety, thickness, accessibility, and labor.
Constructing a New Stone House
Building a brand new home? Here are some tips if you decide to construct the exterior facade primarily from stone:
Hire a Stonemason
Experienced stonemasons have the specialized skills needed to properly place and stack stone while maintaining structural integrity. Let them assess the site and advise on best practices.
Choose a Stone Veneer
Select a natural or manufactured stone veneer that balances your budget, matches your home style, and suits your climate conditions.
Prep the Walls
Ensure exterior walls have proper waterproof membranes and drainage so moisture does not get trapped behind stones. Fasten wire lath over walls to hold stones.
Install the Stone
Adhere larger moss rock boulders first, then build courses using smaller rocks for a natural look. Use stone veneer panels for quicker installation.
Seal and Protect
Apply appropriate sealants to all stone surfaces to prevent water damage and staining. Sealers enhance the color and prevent fading.
Adding Stone to an Existing House
Current homeowners have several options for incorporating stone into their present home's exterior:
Evaluate Current Siding
Inspect the current siding to see if it simply needs repair, cleaning or sealing - which may be cheaper than adding stone. If replacement is needed, stone accent walls or veneers could work over existing surfaces or a teardown.
Prep and Repair Exterior
Fix any structural issues. Install house wrap, flashing, drainage plane and wire lath if adhering natural stone. Ensure surfaces are smooth and secure for manufactured panels.
Choose Stone Veneers
Select stone varieties and thicknesses that suit your project scope, budget, and aesthetic vision.